Review 18 November 2008

TALES OF THE CELTIC BARDS , BY CLAIRE HAMILTON

Over the years there have been many tellings and retellings of the
myths of the Celtic people, and this boom is another retelling. As
the author (an MA in The Bardic Tradition in Ireland from Bristol
University) notes “If this story is new to you then you must hear it.
But even if you know it well, listen again, for there is always new wisdom to be found in it.” She is an accomplished harpist, and has
produced a CD to accompany this book.

The initial tales are told by a bard, Bruach, to a young man and his
village. Although the details surrounding the telling are sketchy,
the stories themselves grab and hold your attention. They are told
simply, as would have been appropriate to a rustic setting. Greater
depth could have been achieved, but the simplicity increases the
appeal and provides inspiration for further exploration.

After dealing with the Irish tales she moves on to the Scottish tales
that share some stories with the Irish since, in ancient times, they
were linked. These stories are drawn from the Finnian (or Ossian)
Cycle. There are differences in these tales, especially noted in this
telling of the story of Diarmaid and Grainne.
The tales conclude with stories from the Welsh collection known as the
Mabinogion, ending with the story of Taliesin, drawn from the Hanes
Taliesin (13th century), and the story of the lost city of Ys from
Brittany.

The book is completed with some notes on the stories, a short
glossary, an extremely short (14 entries), and a guide to Irish and
Welsh pronunciation. None of these are extensive but they all contain
enough information to be helpful.

My one regret is that I did not receive the CD of music which
accompanied the hardcover edition of this book. The book has just
been released, and they have not yet arranged the packaging of the
book and CD. I am awaiting arrival of that CD and can honestly say
that, if Ms. Hamilton plays a harp as well as she tells a bardic tale
I am sure it will be a joy, and would add greatly to setting the mood
for the various tales.

Although this is not the most extensive collection of bardic tales I
have ever read, it is easily the most enjoyable. I was swept away and
carried along by the images and pacing. I most heartily recommend
this book. Since the holiday season is approaching I feel good saying
that it would make a nice Yule gift.

Tales of the Celtic Bards CD

This CD is an accompaniment to the book of the same name and will be shipped with it. It is intended to augment the stories contained therein. These 32 tracks run the gamut of emotions and styles. They evoke the images even more eloquently than the bard’s words as he relates the stories.